5 Tips For Surviving The Prescription Drug Epidemic

Like many consumers, you probably never imagined yourself needing to check into a drug detox center. Many decades ago, drug addiction was something that primarily affected only a very limited number of demographics.

Experimental teens and people with untreated mental health disorders often had the highest likelihood of having issues with substance abuse spiral out of control. Now, however, elderly adults, young professionals, and many other people are finding themselves contending with unbreakable habits that are threatening to destroy their lives. This is the face of the modern, prescription drug epidemic If you have a substance abuse problem, getting professional treatment is the absolute best way to regain control of your life. With the right addiction help and the five tips that follow, you can start moving in a positive direction.

Don’t Let Shame Stop You From Getting The Help You Need

Surprisingly, one of the biggest and most common barriers to addiction treatment is neither cost nor geographic accessibility. It is instead, shame. Although you might be embarrassed by your inability to deal with this issue on your own, seeking help is the surest way to establish a lifestyle that you can feel proud of. Moreover, recovering addicts additionally have the ability to assist others in their journeys to good health by taking part in group therapy, and long-term and ongoing support groups where they can share their knowledge and experience.

Seek A Treatment Center That Has Multiple Options In Counseling

To successfully deal with addiction, it is often necessary to first identify its underlying cause. Unfortunately, addiction is rarely an issue that arises merely as the result of drug experimentation and personal struggles with chemically addictive substances. More often than not, this is an issue that is linked to negative forms of early behavioral conditioning, co-occurring disorders, and poor coping strategies. These are potential causes of addiction that can be identified and addressed in individual counseling, group counseling, and through time spent with psychologists who are qualified to both diagnose and treat, co-occurring disorders.

Don’t Try To Go “Cold Turkey” At Home

Depending upon the substance that you’ve been using, the length of time you’ve been using this substance, and the amount of physical reliance that you have on this drug, detoxing on your own can be downright dangerous. Few people know how to properly detox from drugs, and even fewer are equipped for taking the necessary steps for protecting their health during this incredibly challenging effort. It’s important to note that the primary reasons for trying to detox alone, at home, and without the needed medical support are usually shame, pride, and false confidence. Working with the professionals at a reputable detox center is always the safest way to comfortably wean your body off of any highly addictive substance.

Establish A Long-Term Plan For Your Recovery

Another major benefit in seeking professional treatment is the ability to establish a long-term plan for both getting better and staying that way. Although the average treatment program lasts between 30 and 90 days, those exiting these programs will need continuing support and guidance to remain on course. This is why the best programs always include components for helping people plan their continued treatment going forward. These can include special living arrangements for remaining in drug-free zones, goal-setting, connection with support groups, and access to resources for skill-building and life-planning among many other things.

Be Forthcoming About Your Struggles

At every point of the recovery process, it is vital for people to be forthcoming about their struggles. While every detox center often has a fairly standard range of services that it supplies, the very best of these facilities also have a number of special components that allow for individualized and integrated care. After all, no two recoveries are exactly the same. Honesty in treatment can be key for identifying co-occurring disorders and physiological issues that may require medical intervention. Being forthright with counselors and on-site medical doctors about how you feel both physically and emotionally is therefore vital for getting all of the assistance you require.

As more consumers find themselves struggling with prescription drugs and even turning to illicit substances when they’re no longer able to access these drugs, drug addiction is becoming an increasingly common issue. It’s important to avoid letting emotions like shame or pride prevent you from getting the professional help you need for putting your life back on the right track. With the right detox center and the best ongoing support services, you can overcome your addiction and can begin rebuilding your life.